Month: April 2026

Emphasising that ‘Violence has no place in a democracy’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unequivocally condemned the shooting that took place at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC.

PM Modi expressed relief that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are safe and unharmed.

In a post on X, he said, “Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.”

Chaos broke out on Saturday evening after suspected gunshots were reportedly fired in the lobby of the Washington Hilton, leading to the evacuation of US President Donald Trump and other senior officials from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) said that an officer was shot but saved by the fact that he was wearing a bulletproof vest.

Trump, while delivering remarks in the Press Briefing Room, after the shooting incident, noted that the building was not secure.

“One officer was shot but saved by the fact that he was wearing an obviously very good bulletproof vest. He was shot from a very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer and he’s doing great. He’s in great shape. He is having very high spirits, and we told him we love him and respect him, and he’s a very proud guy. He’s very proud of what he does, Secret Service agent. And we looked at all of the conditions that took place tonight. And I will say, you know, it’s not a particularly secure building,” he said.

“And I didn’t want to say this, but this is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we’re planning at the White House. It’s actually a larger room and it’s a much more secure. It’s got it’s drone proof, it’s bulletproof glass. We need the ballroom. That’s why Secret Service, that’s why the military are demanding it. They’ve wanted the ballroom for 150 years for lots of different reasons. But today is a little bit different because today we need levels of security that probably nobody’s ever seen before,” Trump added.

Trump also praised the law enforcement officers for their swift actions.

He said, “But everyone owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the courage of law enforcement, the law enforcement and working with the DC police. And I just spoke with the mayor. And when we’re finished, the police chief is going to take over and discuss it also from their viewpoint. But they also performed exactly as they were supposed to. And you see the attacker in different positions, but you also see the attacker totally subdued and under control.” (ANI)

Chaos broke out on Saturday evening after suspected gunshots were reportedly fired in the lobby of the Washington Hilton, leading to the evacuation of US President Donald Trump and other senior officials from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were immediately evacuated from the ballroom by tactical teams and moved to a secure location.

The security incident occurred at approximately 8:45 PM EDT as dinner service was underway. Witnesses reported hearing “loud, rhythmic sounds” echoing from the lobby area, which were quickly identified as gunfire.

According to AL Jazeera, the evacuation took place shortly after 8:30 PM, local time, after loud sounds were reported from the lobby area.

There have been no confirmed reports of injuries to the President or other top government officials in attendance.

Outside the hotel, DC Metropolitan Police and federal agents established a wide perimeter, ordering tuxedoed guests and curious bystanders to “stand back” and seek cover as the hotel was placed on total lockdown.

Attendees were seen exiting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner venue after shots were reportedly fired at the event. In a video shared by Fox News on X, police instructed people near the hotel to move back as security teams responded to the incident, and access to the premises was restricted.

Hundreds of journalists and celebrities were seen ducking under tables and barricading doors.

The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner brings together journalists, government officials, and public figures. The event was underway when the incident occurred.

The incident occurred during President Trump’s first time attending the dinner as President, following years of boycotts. The evening was already high-tension, with the President’s attendance putting the “contentious relationship” between his administration and the press on full public display.

As of 6:00 AM EDT Sunday, the Washington Hilton remains a heavy crime scene. The White House has yet to issue a formal statement on whether the President will address the nation regarding the attack.

The WHCD, often referred to as “Nerd Prom,” has seen security scares in the past, but an active shooter engagement inside the host hotel marks the most significant security breach in the event’s 100-plus year history. (ANI)

Tributes poured in on Sunday from political leaders and public figures across India following the demise of legendary photographer Raghu Rai, who passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83.

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia, and Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party leader Waheed ur Rehman Para offered their condolences, remembering Rai as a towering figure in photojournalism who captured the “soul of India” through his lens.

Kharge, in a post on X, wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Raghu Rai, one of India’s foremost photographers and a towering photojournalist for over five decades. A Padma Shri awardee, his powerful coverage of the Bangladesh Liberation War, along with several photographs of eminent personalities like Smt. Indira Gandhi, remains etched in our collective memory. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and students.”

Manish Sisodia also paid tribute, stating, “The news of the passing of the great photo-journalist Raghu Rai, who captured the soul of India in his photographs, is extremely heartbreaking. In such an era, when even our own often avert their gaze, Raghu Rai always insisted on looking closer and more intently. Be it power or suffering, ordinary people or history, without hesitation, without compromise. From the Bangladesh War to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, he showed the courage to bring every truth before the world. Today, that gaze is no longer among us… but his photographs are, his perspective is, which will always bring us closer to the truth. Humble homage.”

Waheed ur Rehman Para expressed grief, writing, “Saddened to hear of the passing of Raghu Rai Ji at 83. His lens captured the soul of India and preserved moments that will live on forever. A true legend of photography. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers, his daughter @avanirai & the closed ones!”

The news of Rai’s demise was confirmed through a tribute post on his official Instagram account, featuring a black-and-white portrait that reflected the aesthetic he mastered over decades. Celebrated for capturing the “extraordinary in the ordinary,” Rai leaves behind an unparalleled archive documenting India’s social, political, and cultural evolution.

Born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang (now in Pakistan), Rai rose to global prominence as a protege of Henri Cartier-Bresson, who nominated him to join Magnum Photos in 1977, an achievement that cemented his place among the world’s elite photographers.

His work forms a visual chronicle of modern India. From the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to portraits of figures like Mother Teresa and Indira Gandhi, Rai documented both historic milestones and everyday life.

His images of Indian streets and the banks of the Ganges remain iconic representations of the country’s spirit.

He was awarded Padma Shri in 1972 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for his decades of service to photography.

Rai’s family announced that his cremation will take place on April 26, 2026, at 4 PM at the Lodhi Road Cremation Ground. He is survived by his wife Gurmeet Rai and children Nitin, Lagan, Avani, and Purvai.

Tributes also poured in from the artistic community. Photographer Atul Kasbekar described Rai as “quite simply, the greatest to ever hold a camera from our country,” adding, “End of an era. Rest in peace, legend.”

Actress Dia Mirza and filmmaker Swanand Kirkire were among other public figures who expressed condolences. One tribute read, “History of India captured by one of the finest people we can ever think of… his work will be witnessed for generations.”

Raghu Rai’s legacy redefined photojournalism in India, elevating it into a powerful art form. (ANI)

Warner Bros.’ adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel ‘Wuthering Heights’, directed by Emerald Fennell, is set to stream on HBO Max beginning May 1, according to Variety.

The film will also make its debut on HBO linear on May 2 at 8 pm ET. An American Sign Language (ASL) version will stream exclusively on HBO Max, performed by ASL Dubbers Leila Hanaumi (“Barbie with ASL”) and Giovanni Maucere (“Superman with ASL”), and directed by Justin Jackerson (“It: Welcome to Derry with ASL”). It marks the first romance title available to stream in ASL on HBO Max with two dubbers.

Directed by Fennell, who is known for the provocative film ‘Saltburn’, the R-rated drama stars Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, portraying the iconic tortured lovers at the heart of Brontë’s story. Fennell’s version intensifies the novel’s erotic and psychological undertones, transforming the Yorkshire moors into a dark, operatic space of desire, power and revenge, according to Variety.

Supporting cast members include Shazad Latif as Edgar Linton, Martin Clunes as Mr. Earnshaw, Charlotte Mellington as young Catherine, Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff, Hong Chau as housekeeper Nelly, and Alison Oliver as Isabella Linton.

The film also marks the first collaboration between Robbie and Fennell in a leading role, after Robbie previously executive produced ‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘Saltburn’. Jacob Elordi, meanwhile, is set to appear in ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 and also earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘Frankenstein,’ according to Variety.

‘Wuthering Heights’ has grossed USD 241 million worldwide, including USD 84 million domestically and USD 157 million internationally, against an USD 80 million production budget. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he has cancelled the scheduled visit of the US delegation, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Senior Adviser and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to Islamabad for talks with Iran for the second round of peace talks, aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution to hostilities in West Asia.

The development was shared by Fox News White House correspondent Aishah Hasnie in a post on X, where she stated that Trump cancelled the visit by the delegation from Washington due to the long-distance engagements being unnecessary and unproductive.

Hasnie was on a direct phone conversation with the US President.

“I’ve told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18-hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18-hour flights to sit around talking about nothing’,” Trump said as quoted by Fox News.

This comes moments after the Iranian delegation, led by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, departed Islamabad on Saturday evening (local time) after a day of high-level meetings with the Pakistan leadership, leaving Pakistan’s ambitious claims of brokering a US-Iran peace deal as part of the second round of negotiations in tatters.

As reported by Al Jazeera, the delegation left the Pakistani capital after delivering an “official list of demands” to Pakistani leaders for the US and Israel in order to achieve a complete solution to the conflict in West Asia.

The departure effectively signals the end of Islamabad’s hopes to facilitate the much-anticipated second round of direct dialogue, as Araghchi is now set to travel to Oman and Russia.

According to a statement issued by Araghchi in Telegram, the Iranian foreign minister explained Iran’s “principled positions regarding the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the complete end of the imposed war against” the Islamic Republic by US and Israeli forces to the Pakistani side.

This weekend’s diplomatic theatre is rapidly mirroring the failures of the past. The first round of talks hosted in Islamabad – featuring US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliamentary Speaker MB Ghalibaf – dragged on for a gruelling 21 hours without yielding a single breakthrough. (ANI)

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the handling of India’s relations with the USA, alleging that the PM is being “controlled” by US President Donald Trump.

Rahul Gandhi at an election rally here said, “Narendra Modi made a trade deal with America, in which he sold off India’s agriculture sector, small and medium industry, and energy security. Along with that, he handed over all our data to America as well. No Prime Minister of the country can do such a thing without pressure.”

Additionally, the Congress leader criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Mamata Banerjee over the governance of West Bengal, declaring that the CM here had destroyed industry in the state.

“Narendra Modi has wiped out small traders and MSMEs in the country by implementing demonetization and a flawed GST. Narendra Modi works only for a handful of billionaires, which benefits Modi, BJP, and its organisations. Similarly, Mamata ji has destroyed the industry in West Bengal. Today, unemployment is rampant everywhere here, and in Bengal, jobs go only to those who are relatives of the TMC. Mamata ji is doing nothing for the people; she is working only for TMC’s people,” Gandhi said.

“Narendra Modi is corrupt, but TMC is no less involved in corruption. Sharda Chit Fund Scam: Rs 1,900 crore stolen, Rose Valley Chit Fund Scam: Rs 6,600 crore rupees stolen. TMC people engage in coal smuggling, illegal mining, and impose goonda tax. Mamata ji had promised in 2021 from West Bengal that employment would be provided to 5 lakh people. But the truth is that 84 lakh youths here have applied for unemployment allowance,” he added.

He also accused the TMC of shielding the culprits of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in a seminar room on campus.

“Just as when BJP’s MLAs-MPs perpetrate atrocities against women, the BJP government protects them. Similarly, in West Bengal, too, the government shields the accused. The RG Kar rape and murder case is an example right before us. In other words, there is no accountability,” added Gandhi.

Gandhi’s remarks came following the conclusion of the first phase of polling in West Bengal, which recorded a significantly high voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The high turnout figures underline an active electoral exercise as polling drew to a close amid tight security arrangements across constituencies. The polling for the second phase will be held on April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday congratulated voters for the record-high turnout in Phase I of the West Bengal Assembly Elections and praised the Election Commission of India (ECI) and security forces for ensuring a peaceful polling process. (ANI)

Actor and Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Preity Zinta expressed happiness after her team scripted history by chasing down 265 runs, the highest-ever in T20s to defeat Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets in an IPL match on Saturday.

Taking to her Instagram, she congratulated both Punjab Kings team and DC opener KL Rahul for their performances. “Yessss yesss yesss !!!! What a game Congratulations @punjabkingsipl & @klrahul for such a stunning performance tonight.”

Zinta also praised Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh for their efforts in today’s match, adding, “@shreyasiyer96 this one is for the record books…Tonight the heat was really on @prabhsimran_84 @_arya_priyansh @nehalwadhera @shashanksingh027 #Ting #DCvsPBKS #Basjeetnahai”

Talking about the match, PBKS continued its unbeaten run, generating another instant classic match and chasing down 265 runs, the highest-ever in T20s. KL’s record-breaking 152* in 67 balls, which made him the first Indian to score a 150 in the IPL and the holder of India’s highest men’s T20 score, went in vain as the batter had to watch a powerplay assault from Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya helplessly, which laid down the platform for a strong finish.

With this win, PBKS stand unbeaten with six wins and a no result, giving them 13 points. DC is at the sixth spot, with three wins and four losses, giving them six points. PBKS broke their record of chasing down 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2024 season.

Coming to the match, after DC opted to bat first, an entertaining 220-run second-wicket stand between KL Rahul (152* in 67 balls, with 16 fours and nine sixes) and Nitish Rana (91* in 44 balls, with 11 fours and four sixes) took DC to 264/2.

PBKS did not put their weapons down either, as Priyansh Arya (43 in 17 balls, with two fours and five sixes) and Prabhsimran (76 in 26 balls, with nine fours and five sixes) shaved off 116 runs in the powerplay, later, Shreyas (71* in 36 balls, with three fours and seven sixes) put partnerships with Nehal Wadhera (25) and Shashank Singh (19*), completing the chase in 18.5 overs with six wickets left. (ANI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Saturday termed the MPs merging with the BJP “rotten eggs”, alleging that the ruling party is attempting to stifle the party’s voice in the upper house of the parliament.

Speaking to ANI, Dhaliwal asserted that these MPs were given a ticket from the party’s top brass with a “noble” intention, but they “betrayed” the people of Punjab.

“When Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann gave them Rajya Sabha tickets, the idea was to represent youth, education, industry and culture… The intention was noble, but just as when you buy eggs, some turn out rotten. These rotten eggs betrayed Punjab. The BJP has already tried to silence Punjab’s voice. Now they attempt to shut us out of Rajya Sabha,” he said, stressing that Punjab’s voice cannot be “silenced,” Dhaliwal said.

Emphasising that Punjab’s people know how to fight for their rights, he said, “We will continue to fight for Punjab’s demands, for its people, and for its future.”

These remarks come after the trio of MPs–Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal–parted ways with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday and subsequently joined the BJP in the presence of party leadership.

Addressing a presser in the national capital, Chadha informed that Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Swati Maliwal have also switched to the BJP.

Raghav Chadha said that they have informed the Chairman of the House, in accordance with the rules, of leaving the party. He formalised a split that had been building for weeks, announcing that two-thirds of the party’s Upper House members would merge with the BJP.

Meanwhile, Raghav Chadha, on Saturday, after his exit from AAP, alleged that the party has deviated from its core principles and no longer provides space for honest workers.”Today, every true patriot who nurtured the Aam Aadmi Party with their blood and sweat and joined it with great expectations has either left the Aam Aadmi Party or is leaving it. Every honest, hardworking person feels that there is no longer room for work in the Aam Aadmi Party. And the Aam Aadmi Party is now walking on a wrong path that no one wants to be associated with. Consequently, one by one, many leaders have left the Aam Aadmi Party,” Chadha said.

Following this, Aam Aadmi Party’s Youth Wing on Saturday staged aggressive protests against the seven Rajya Sabha MPs who recently merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Demonstrators targeted the residences of these MPs, branding them “Gaddar” (traitor) in a series of coordinated demonstrations across Punjab. (ANI)

Actor Athiya Shetty showered praise on her husband KL Rahul after the Delhi Capitals (DC) batter delivered a record-breaking performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the marathon knock, Rahul became the third player in IPL history to score 150 and also registered the highest individual score by an Indian in the league.

Taking to Instagram Stories, Athiya expressed her admiration for Rahul’s explosive innings, writing, “Uffff @klrahul,” and adding, “Just insane.”

Athiya’s younger brother, Ahan Shetty, also took to social media and expressed his excitement over his performance, writing, “What have you done?! Unbelievable”

The flashes of KL’s attacking intent were always present in the matches so far, but the crowd at Arun Jaitley Stadium got a whole fireworks display from the Indian wicketkeeper-batter as he took out all the shots from his armoury to the delight of the home crowd, scoring an incredibly free-flowing 152* in 67 balls, with 16 fours and nine sixes against a strong Punjab Kings (PBKS) attack. His runs came at a strike rate of over 226.

Rahul reached his century in just 47 balls, registering Delhi Capitals’ fastest-ever century in IPL and outdoing Virender Sehwag and Quinton de Kock’s 48-ball centuries in 2011 and 2016, respectively. This was also the fastest of KL’s six IPL hundreds, with the previous fastest being a 56-ball ton against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2022.

After Chris Gayle (175 against Pune Warriors India in 2013) and Brendon McCullum (158* against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008), KL is the third batsman to score 150 runs in a single IPL inning, also outdoing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) star Abhishek Sharma’s 141* against Punjab Kings (PBKS) last year to get the highest score by an Indian batter in the IPL.

Rahul now also holds the highest score for DC in IPL history, outdoing Rishabh Pant’s 128* against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) made back in 2018.

The Karnataka-born batter now has the joint-most hundreds by a DC batter (2) alongside Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner.He has also levelled with West Indies legend Chris Gayle for the joint-third-highest IPL tons, with Englishman Jos Buttler (7) and Virat Kohli (8) at the top.The DC opener is the first player in IPL history to score multiple tons for three different teams, as per a stat from CricViz, with two centuries each for DC, PBKS and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).He has also overtaken Tilak Varma’s 151 against Meghalaya last season to get the highest individual score by an Indian in men’s T20Is.

KL holds the Orange Cap now, with 357 runs in seven innings at an average of 59.50 and a strike rate of over 187, with a century and two fifties. He has also overtaken CSK legend MS Dhoni (5,528 runs) to become the fifth-highest run-getter in IPL history, with 5,579 runs in 152 matches and 143 innings at an average of 46.88 and a strike rate of 138.37, including six centuries and 42 fifties.

Coming to the match, DC won the toss and opted to bat first. After losing Pathum Nissanka (11) early, a record-breaking 220-run stand between KL and Nitish Rana (91* in 44 balls, with 11 fours and four fifties) helped DC to 264/2 in 20 overs. (ANI)

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday invoked the “washing machine” jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs switched to the ruling camp.

Jairam Ramesh said that Raghav Chadha and six other MPs who shook hands with the BJP, “stand brutally exposed.”

“The BJP washing machine is back, along with the Modi washing powder. Those who projected themselves as paragons of virtue, integrity, and ideology stand brutally exposed,” Jairam Ramesh wrote on X.

Former Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “BJP managed to lure Raghav Chadha. BJP knows this politics of hunting, it happens in Bengal too… When Mamata Banerjee feels that the results are in danger, she also enters the fray and deploys her agency, I-PAC, for hunting. I-PAC reaches out to our candidates who are expected to win… BJP also practices politics of hunting and so does Mamata Banerjee… This is the new normal in today’s politics.”

The remarks come after the trio of MPs–Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal–parted ways with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday and subsequently joined the BJP in the presence of party leadership.

Addressing a presser in the national capital, Chadha informed that Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Swati Maliwal have also switched to the BJP.

Raghav Chadha said that they have informed the Chairman of the House, in accordance with the rules, of leaving the party. He formalised a split that had been building for weeks, announcing that two-thirds of the party’s Upper House members would merge with the BJP.

Meanwhile, the AAP has now begun working on a new strategy. Deliberations are ongoing among party leaders regarding the situation. Late last night, after returning from a visit to Gujarat, senior party leader Manish Sisodia met party convenor Arvind Kejriwal at his residence.

Manish Sisodia was in Rajkot to campaign for the party in the Gujarat municipal elections. Party sources said, “After returning to Delhi late at night, Sisodia went straight from the airport to the residence of party convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The two leaders met for more than half an hour. During the meeting, they also discussed the possible impact of the split and what the future strategy should be.”

Party sources said, “The chief whip in the Upper House, ND Gupta, will submit a letter to the Rajya Sabha Chairman against Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal.”

“Gupta’s letter will seek action as per the anti-defection law. These 3 leaders were seen in public joining the BJP. The remaining four were not seen in the public domain, making that move. Hence, the chief whip will lodge the complaint against the three MPs seen in the BJP office,” a party source added. (ANI)